Memorandum submitted by Ken Livingstone
I wrote in response to consultation on the Animal
Welfare Bill on 30 April 2002, and am pleased to see that many
of the issues I raised have been taken on board in the Draft Bill.
I have specific comments as follows:
ANIMAL FIGHTING
I am pleased to see that the law on animal fighting
is being made much stronger and my earlier point that anybody
present at a fight should be liable to arrest is welcomed. Criminal
gangs are frequently involved in organising these activities and
the police should have all the powers that they need to take action
against those involved.
KEEPING ANIMALS
AS PETS
I stated before that I wished to see a tightening
up of the law on the keeping of exotic or dangerous animals as
pets, and since I wrote, there has been an acceleration of this
problem. It seems to be the case that an ever increasing number
of exotic animals are being housed in totally unsuitable conditions.
I am pleased to see, therefore, that the keeper of a pet will
commit an offence if he fails to take reasonable steps to ensure
the animal's welfare. I also support the proposal to ban the sale
of animals to those under 16, and to prohibit the giving away
of animals as prizes. However, it is increasingly clear that the
keeping of unsuitable animals is sustained by many shops and dealers,
and I still feel that the law does not go far enough in addressing
this problem.
We should however not obstruct those who over
the years have helped establish captive breeding programmes for
exotic animals that are endangered in the world. Such individuals
may need to be licensed but have a valuable role to play. Forty
years ago all reptiles and amphibia on sale had been caught in
the wild. Many, if not most are now bred in captivity. This is
a vital gene pool which should be managed in cooperation with
zoo breeding programmes.
LICENCE INSPECTION
PERIODS
I see that it is proposed to increase the inspection
period for a number of licences from 12 months to 18 months. I
would prefer them to be at 12 month intervals.
ONE-DAY
PET FAIRS
I note that there are proposals in the Draft
Bill to legalise One Day Pet Fairs. I am completely opposed to
any licensing and legalisation of these. This has been repeatedly
made clear in discussions between my officers and Defra. I do
not feel that responsible pet ownership can in any way be compatible
with pet fairs, which encourage impulse buying and give no recourse
to follow up information on care.
CIRCUSES
In my earlier letter, I pointed out that representations
have been made to me that the existing legislation on the keeping
of animals in circuses is very weak, particularly with regard
to the keeping of dangerous animals by circuses on private land.
I note that circuses are mentioned in the Draft Bill, but that
there are no plans to actually ban the use of animals in circuses.
I do not feel that the keeping of animals, such as tigers or elephants,
to perform in circuses is appropriate for the 21st century. Unfortunately,
while the legislation remains so weak, there is little action
that anyone can take. I have stated above that I am unhappy about
licensing periods being extended to 18 months, and this particularly
applies to animals in circuses. If there is no change in the present
arrangements, I would not wish to see a longer period than 12
months for licensing.
ILLEGAL HARE
COURSING
My opposition to hunting wild animals with dogs
remains total, and I will be pleased when legislation to ban hunting
finally reaches the statute book. One activity within London and
elsewhere, which particularly concerns me, is the illegal coursing
of hares. This is increasing, despite the decline of the Brown
Hare, and is often accompanied by threats of violence against
landowners and anyone else who meets up with the criminal gangs
who often operate the coursing. The Government has identified
the Brown Hare as a priority species within the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan which is under threat and requires protection. I,
therefore, consider that the Brown Hare should be added to Schedule
5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and given full legal
protection (on the same lines as for badgers) at the earliest
opportunity.
2 September 2004
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